Discipleship Through Community: Everyone in Groups, Every Group on Mission with Lindsey Jodts

How can we get our people into small groups and involved in the mission of discipleship?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson speaks with Lindsey Jodts, Groups Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, about how discipleship flourishes in the context of community. Lindsey shares her journey into ministry, Willow Creek’s evolving small group strategy, and why their vision is “everyone in groups, every group on mission.” This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for churches of every size seeking to form Christlike disciples who live for the sake of others

Main Points

• Discipleship Defined – Helping people become their most Christlike selves in their unique God-given identity.
• Community Matters – Why discipleship thrives when stories are shared, gifts are called out, and people are empowered.
• Willow Creek’s Shift – Moving from an attractional model toward deeper formation and intentional mission.
• Three Pathways of Growth – Weekends, Teams, and Groups as Willow’s Discipleship Framework.
• The Rooted Experience – Seven rhythms (daily devotion, prayer, worship, generosity, serving, sharing your story, breaking strongholds) anchoring group life.
• Every Group on Mission – Small groups discerning their “heart song” and living it out locally and globally.
• For Any Church Size – Practical insights for small, medium, and large churches to empower leaders and multiply disciples.

If this conversation encouraged you, share it with your pastor, small group leader, or ministry team. Be sure to subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave us a review, and join us in the vision of disciple-making churches for every people and place.

Links & Resources

• RightNow Media
• The Bible Project – | Bible Project Classroom | Bible Project Podcast
• Rooted Network
• Books Mentioned:
  • How to Ask Great Questions by Karen Lee-Thorp
  • Falling Upward by Richard Rohr

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